BREAKING: Court Bars NLC and TUC From Planned FCT Protest

Court has barred NLC and TUC from planned FCT protest.

 

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja has restrained the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and three other labour leaders from embarking on any strike or protest within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Justice Emmanuel Subilim issued the interim order on Monday while ruling on an ex parte application filed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). Those affected by the order include NLC spokesperson Benson Upah, TUC General Secretary Nuhu Toro, and Chairman of the FCT NLC, Stephen Knabayi.

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The application, dated February 2, was brought under Suit No. NICN/ABJ/30/26 by counsel to the claimants, James Onoja (SAN). After hearing the claimants, the court restrained the 1st to 5th respondents, their agents or privies, from embarking on any form of industrial action or protest pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice.

Justice Subilim also directed security agencies listed as the 5th to 9th defendants to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order in Abuja. The matter was adjourned to February 10 for hearing of the motion on notice.

According to the claimants, the Chairman of the FCT Council of the NLC had circulated a mobilisation message calling for a mass protest in Abuja scheduled for February 3, an action they argued violated existing court orders. They told the court that following an interlocutory ruling delivered on January 27, 2026, restraining further industrial action, the order was served on the defendants the same day.

The claimants alleged that despite being served with the order, the NLC and TUC jointly issued directives instructing affiliated unions to intensify and sustain the strike, citing an appeal filed by their counsel, Femi Falana (SAN). They added that the Joint Unions Action Committee (JUAC) subsequently issued circulars directing workers to continue the industrial action.

In an affidavit supporting the application, the claimants stated that workers under the aegis of JUAC began an industrial action on January 19, 2026, shutting down offices, schools, and agencies of the FCTA, effectively grounding government activities in the territory.

They further alleged that subsequent directives issued between January 27 and January 31 encouraged workers to disregard the court order and mobilised affiliate unions for a mass protest in Abuja. The claimants said they feared the planned action could lead to a breakdown of law and order, disrupt vehicular movement, and infringe on the rights of residents, private sector workers, expatriates, and tourists, prompting their decision to seek the court’s intervention.